Soapstones remain one of the most popular material choices for countertops because of their stain resistance, heat resistance, durability, and natural look. However, like any stone countertop, they can be quite expensive.
Installing soapstone countertops can cost around $2,100 to $7,200, depending on the soapstone’s size, color, and form. High-grade soapstones tend to be on the higher end of the cost range, while low-grade ones fall on the lower end.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how much you’ll have to pay to have your dream soapstone countertop in your kitchen or bathroom:
Factors That Can Influence the Cost of Installing Soapstone Countertops
Size
Larger soapstone countertops generally come with a higher price due to increased material and labor requirements. Since soapstones are typically sold by inch or square foot, larger ones will incur higher material costs.
Larger slab sizes are also harder to transport, so transportation and handling fees tend to be higher.
If you plan on getting a soapstone countertop, expect to pay around $70 to $120 per square foot for both materials and labor.
Form of Soapstone
Soapstones are typically sold in three forms: tile, prefabricated, and solid slab. The form you choose for your countertop can significantly affect the total cost of installation since each form has its own set of considerations that can affect the installation process.
Tile
Soapstone tiles are typically cheaper than other soapstone forms since they come in standard sizes and thicknesses. Most tiles are 12×12 inches or 18×18 inches, with a thickness of ⅜ to ½ inch.
These are typically time-consuming to install since there is a lot to consider, like matching the veins and grouting.
Homeowners typically pay $30 to $40 per square foot for tiled soapstone countertops. This price includes the tiles, the materials needed to install them, and labor costs.
Prefab
Prefab or prefabricated soapstones are pre-cut and pre-finished, so they’re typically cheaper than solid custom slabs. They’re also easy to install as they’re already pre-cut, making them perfect for those who want to DIY the installation.
That said, there are often limited sizes and colors available for prefab soapstones. You can also only choose between square or eased edges since they’re mass-produced, and manufacturers rarely use complex edging styles.
Installing prefabricated soapstone countertops can cost you $40 to $60 per square foot.
Slab
Installing soapstone slab countertops generally costs $70 to $120 per square foot, the most expensive among soapstone forms. This price range includes the material and labor but not specialty edging, so you have to add more bucks for that.
Solid slab soapstones come in a variety of colors and can be customized according to the size and thickness that you need. They also offer flexibility when it comes to edge styles.
Installation Location
The location within your house where the soapstone countertops will be installed can also affect the total installation cost. Some areas have more complex layouts than others, so the installation will be more challenging, driving up the cost.
Additionally, some rooms in the house are bigger than others and would need bigger countertops, leading to higher material costs.
Kitchen
Kitchens tend to have large countertops to accommodate all the activities done in the kitchen and all the appliances we need. Some kitchens also have islands, which can significantly increase the material cost for installing soapstone countertops.
Kitchen countertops are also typically more decorative than outdoor kitchens because they should match the overall interior of the home.
Prepare about $2,100 to $4,800 to install soapstone countertops in your kitchen. The final cost will depend on the size of the countertop, the thickness of the soapstone, and the color and edging style of the countertop.
Outdoor Kitchen
One of soapstone’s standout features is its excellent heat resistance, which makes it a great choice for outdoor kitchens. It’s also non-porous and can withstand rain and snow, so it doesn’t deteriorate or discolor easily, even when placed outside.
Installing a soapstone countertop in your outdoor kitchen is generally less expensive than installing one indoors. This is because outdoor kitchens tend to have smaller countertops than indoor ones.
You can expect to pay around $1,400 to $3,600 for an outdoor kitchen soapstone countertop, depending on the quality of the soapstone you’ll use, the color, the edging style, and the countertop size.
Bathroom
Bathroom countertops are typically smaller compared to kitchen ones, so the material cost tends to be lower. Most bathroom countertops are 6 to 12 square feet in size, which is far smaller than the average 30-square-foot kitchen countertops.
Soapstone bathroom countertops generally cost $420 to $1,800. The lower end of the range is typically for low-end soapstone material and smaller countertops, while the higher end is for top-quality soapstone.
Color
Soapstones come in a more limited color option than other natural stones, like granite and marble. Most soapstones come in light gray to black, but there are also other rare colors, like blue.
Soapstones with rare color can cost more than other soapstones due to how hard they are to find. The demand for the color can also affect the cost since some colors are more popular than others.
Green
Green soapstones come in various shades, from darker, deep greens to lighter emerald green ones. They often feature veins, streaks, and patterns that create a distinctive look for each slab.
Green soapstones can cost anywhere between $25 and $50 per square foot.
Gray
Gray is a classic soapstone color that you’ll find in a lot of homes. Soapstone countertops with this color have a smooth, matte finish that matches almost all interior styles, from traditional to modern.
Gray soapstone slabs typically cost around $26 to $50 per square foot. They exhibit veins and come in various tones, from light gray to charcoal or almost black.
Blue
Blue soapstone countertops are less common than gray and green, so they can be a unique addition to your kitchen and bathroom. Due to their rarity, they can be quite expensive, costing around $52 to $70 per square foot.
Soapstone slabs exhibit a range of blue tones, from subtle hints of blue to more vibrant shades. They also feature veins and streaks in various colors, including light red.
Black
Black soapstone countertops are a popular choice for those aiming for a modern and sleek look. Some black soapstones have dark gray veining, while some are pure black, so you can choose which would suit your preferences and interior.
Black soapstones typically cost around $55 to $70 per square foot for material alone.
White
White soapstone slabs are quite expensive compared to other soapstones due to their demand, costing around $55 to $70 per square foot. They offer a clean yet dramatic aesthetic to your kitchen with their bright white color and thick dark veins.
White soapstones don’t develop a patina as fast as other soapstones, but they will eventually. Patina refers to the brown or green layer that forms over the countertop over time because of oxidation and exposure to light and air.
Edging Style
The edging style for the countertop can complicate the overall installation process since some styles are a lot harder to do. The more intricate the edge design is, the more expensive labor will be.
Straight
A straight edge is a simple, squared-off edge without any additional detailing. This edging style has clean, straight lines and sharp corners, providing a minimalist yet crisp design choice.
It’s the most basic edging style and usually doesn’t come with any additional cost.
Eased
An eased edging style has a slightly curved top edge, removing sharp corners and creating a more softened look. It has a clean and minimalist look but is a bit safer for kids compared to straight edges.
Although it requires more shaping than straight edge style, it usually doesn’t come with an additional cost since the work is still minimal.
Half Bullnose
Half bullnose edging style features a semi-circular curve on the upper side of the edge, while the lower side remains flat. It may look like an eased edge, but the upper side of the countertop is a lot more curved when using a half-bullnose edging style.
A half bullnose edge on your soapstone countertop typically comes with a $10 to $12 per linear foot price tag.
Full Bullnose
Full bullnose edges are fully rounded on both the upper and lower sides, creating a circular profile. It creates a classic and timeless look and is a safe choice for families who have young kids.
Full bullnose edges cost $10 to $12 per linear foot, the same as half bullnose edges.
Bevel
Soapstone countertops with beveled edges have a slanted cut along their top edge, typically at a 45-degree angle. This simple yet decorative edging style is often used for modern and contemporary countertop designs.
A beveled edge typically adds $10 to $12 per linear foot to the total installation cost of soapstone countertops.
Ogee
Ogee edge style is a decorative countertop edge profile with an intricate S-shaped curve. This particular edge style creates a luxurious design because of its intricate detailing.
An ogee edge style can add $20 to $25 per linear foot to the total cost of installing soapstone countertops.
Dupont
A Dupont edging style features a squared top that flows into a bullnose edge. This edging style creates a waterfall effect that adds a touch of sophistication to the countertop.
It’s a popular choice for luxurious kitchens and bathrooms. It usually costs around $20 to $30 per linear foot to create Dupont-shaped soapstone countertop edges.
French Cove
A French cove is quite similar to a Dupont edge, but the style’s bullnose edge slopes into another square at the bottom. Basically, this edging style has a squared top and bottom with a bullnose middle.
This edge is quite expensive due to its complexity, but it’s often considered one of the most elegant edge styles. Prepare around $30 to $35 per linear foot if you want your countertops to have French cove edges.
Labor
Soapstone can be very heavy, and it can be challenging to fit it on the countertop, so it’s generally better to hire a skilled worker to install it. However, hiring someone to install the soapstone comes with a price.
Workers typically charge $10 to $40 per square foot to install soapstone countertops, depending on the complexity of the work and the house’s geographic location. It can typically take two to four days to finish the job, so prepare around $550 to $750.
Removal of Existing Countertop
If you have an existing countertop, it needs to be removed first before you can install a soapstone countertop. Laborers have to dismantle and dispose of the current countertop, which adds labor and potential disposal fees.
Removing an existing countertop can cost you around $50 to $350, depending on the material and the countertop size. Laminate countertops are light and easy to remove, so they cost less, but granite and quartz are heavy and can cost more.
How do I save money when installing soapstone countertops?
- Compare multiple quotes.
Obtain quotes from multiple contractors or fabricators to get the most competitive offer for your budget.
- Consider standard thickness.
Most contractors suggest getting an inch-and-a-half thick soapstone, but you can also get thicker or thinner ones. Consider choosing soapstones with this thickness or thinner ones instead of thicker slabs since they’re typically cheaper.
- Choose a simple edging style.
The more complex and decorative the edging style of your countertop, the more expensive the installation will be. Choose much simpler styles like straight or eased edges.
- Choose soapstone with a lower grade.
Soapstones come in different grades, and the higher-grade ones are typically more expensive than the lower-grade ones. Opt for a soapstone with a lower grade if you’re tight on budget.
- Opt for soapstone tiles over slabs.
Soapstone tiles are cheaper than prefabricated and solid slabs, so they’re a much better choice for those trying to save some money. They still offer almost the same benefits as prefabs and solid slabs.
